2021 Isole e Olena Cepparello

100 POINTS

Natalie Maclean

Isole e Olena Cepparello 2021 is a commanding, full-bodied Super Tuscan crafted entirely from Sangiovese. First introduced in 1980, it stands among the pioneers of the category. Sourced from heritage Sangiovese vines in the northwestern Chianti Classico region, its fruit thrives in high-altitude galestro soils at 1,500 feet. The wine matures for up to 20 months in French oak, 30% of which is new, deepening its character. On the palate, it offers concentrated black cherry, juicy plum, floral notes, and earthy undertones with refined tannins that promise further development. Best from 2028 to 2045

99 POINTS

James Suckling

Intense and floral wine, full of restrained aromas, such as potpourri, together with vibrant red cherries, licorice, bergamot and lightly balsamic depth. The firm tannins and full body provide a velvety and extracted texture. Powerful wine, yet tight-knit and super polished. Refreshing with a tense, fruity finish. Super classic. Drink or hold.

99 POINTS

James Suckling

In this vintage Cepparello shows very restrained notes of red cherries, dried violets and a lot of stony minerality. There is a meaty and savory character in depth. Overall very precise and integrated. Velvety tannins dominate the palate, showing a chalky texture, even dusty, with a full body, amazing concentration and very refreshing acidity. The finish is brightly focused on cherry pits. A good wine for the long haul. Possibly one of the best Cepparello ever. Best after 2031.

97 POINTS

Monica Larner - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

One of Tuscany's flagship wines, the Isole e Olena 2021 Cepparello immediately delivers ripe fruit flavors that are firm, even crunchy, and that bodes well for the future evolution of this classic vintage. The wine is packed with tart fruit flavors followed by balanced acidity. Compared to past vintages that are more extracted and dense, this edition is delightfully bright and transparent. I appreciation the age-worthy direction Cepparello is taking.

96 POINTS

Falstaff

Clear ruby of medium density. Finely drawn nose, with notes of raspberry and dark cherries, plus some eucalyptus. Juicy from the beginning to the end, shows plump cherry fruit, some blackberry, vivid tannin in many fine layers, pomegranate on the finish.

96 POINTS

Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator

Plum, cherry and pomegranate fruit is framed by toasty oak and mineral flavors in this lively and succulent red, which offers plenty of energy, with elements of tar and oak on the persistent finish. Shows fine balance, with the dense tannins leaving room for the fruit in the end. Needs time. Sangiovese. Best from 2027 through 2043.

95 POINTS

Vinous

Despite its medium-weight structure, the Cepparello 2021 is a restrained, tight-knit wine. Today, the 2021 still seems quite nervous and lean, even for a young Cepparello. It will be interesting to see how it develops with a little more time in the bottle. I really like the energy of this wine.

95 POINTS

James Button - Decanter

Cepparello 2021 is Paolo De Marchi's swansong vintage – and he's gone out on a high. Vibrant and vertical, tangy and bright, it introduces a complexity of fresh, sour and dried cherries with some peppery spice. This more poised, fresh and balanced direction is becoming a signature of the region's best wines and – just as in the years after he took over from his father's winery in 1976 – Paolo has demonstrated that he is still in the vanguard.